MN DNR Enforcement

06/18/2026

Our K9 teams train hard and work hard to protect Minnesota’s people and natural resources.

That dedication showed earlier this week at the United States Police K9 Association Region 12 trials in Delano. The dogs competed and tested in a variety of disciplines, including article search, criminal apprehension, obedience, and suspect search. Sixty dogs from law enforcement agencies around the region competed.
Among the results:

- The top department team award went to Capt. Phil Mohs/K9 Mack and CO Luke Gutzwiller/K9 Earl and their decoys, COs Mike Fairbanks and Mike Krauel

- Mohs and Mack placed first in obedience

- CO Dustin Roemeling and K9 Cora took second place among evidence detection dogs

- Gutzwiller and K9 Earl took second place in criminal apprehension

-CO Cassie Block and K9 Jet took third place among evidence detection dogs

Two handlers and their dogs – CO Annette Schlag and K9 Trapper and CO Mike Krauel and K9 Bolt – were also recognized for cases they worked in 2025.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/enforcement/k9/index.html

06/17/2026

On March 27, Big Lake-area CO Trent Seamans responded to a radio call about a single-vehicle accident in the city of Zimmerman.

The vehicle had struck a tree and there were unknown injuries.
Upon his arrival on the scene, Seamans assisted sheriff’s deputies with chest compressions on the driver. Seamans and deputies applied an AED and gave two shocks, then continued CPR until the victim regained a pulse. Seamans then assisted with transferring the victim to paramedics.

The victim, who was later determined to have had a heart attack prior to the crash, was airlifted to North Memorial Hospital and later recovered.

Pictured: Lt. Todd Langevin and CO Trent Seamans (holding award)

06/11/2026

Who’s ready to get out there? These two.

K9s Molly and Hank and their handlers, COs Matt Brodin and Mitch Nowak, recently completed three months of intensive training, earned their detection certification, and are now official members of the DNR’s K9 Unit.

Both teams are trained to detect aquatic invasive species and will work in a variety of other ways as well, including in search and rescue, detecting game and fish violations, and supporting our law enforcement partners throughout the state.

“Our dog and handler teams increase the DNR’s ability to protect Minnesota’s people and natural resources, and these two new teams will make us even more effective and efficient,” said Capt. Phil Mohs, the K9 Unit leader. “We’re excited to have them on board and working toward ensuring future generations of Minnesotans have the same or better opportunities to enjoy our natural resources than we do today.”

06/11/2026

Do you own, rent, borrow, or paddle a boat?

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to hear from you! The 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey is now underway and helps provide the only comprehensive recreational boating data from all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Whether you enjoy boating from a fishing boat, kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, your feedback helps shape safety programs and improve recreational boating experiences across the country.
Your input helps answer important questions about how, where, and why people get on the water—and supports efforts to keep boating safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Take a few minutes to share your experience and make a difference for the boating community:
https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e

06/05/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Lt. Tyler Uthe, particularly our partners at the Minnesota State Patrol.

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Lt. Tyler Uthe, a respected leader, a dedicated servant and friend. His loss is being felt deeply across our agency and by all who had the privilege to serve alongside him.

Our thoughts are with Tyler’s family, friends, loved ones and fellow troopers during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy as they grieve.

As we mourn Tyler’s loss, we are reminded that even those who spend their lives helping others sometimes need help themselves. No one should have to carry life's challenges alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline for support.

Tyler’s impact on this agency and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.

05/31/2026

The Ashby Public School kids were counting down the days until summer break, but CO Ryan Brown certainly had their attention! He spent time with a first-grade class last week, discussing Minnesota’s mammals, his work as a conservation officer, and answering all their questions.

We wish them and all students and fun and safe summer!

05/30/2026

You put a lot of planning into your day on the water — packing the snacks, sunscreen, towels, and toys. Make sure safety is part of that plan, too.

Life jackets save lives, and the best time to wear one is before you even step onto the dock. Kids under 10 are required to wear a properly fitted life jacket while boating, but this message is for adults too. When the whole family wears one, everyone is safer.

Safety starts at the dock. Wear your life jacket and help make sure your day on the water ends with good memories.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html

05/29/2026

Hear from CO Hudson Ledeen, who’s based in Hovland in far northeastern Minnesota and often patrols the Boundary Waters:

“We’re out there and people are really surprised to see us and most of the time really excited to see us.”

05/27/2026

Training matters. Partnerships matter. And when it comes to keeping Minnesota’s waterways safe, preparation makes all the difference.

Each year, the Minnesota DNR Marine Unit hosts “Basic Boat School” — an intensive week-long training for sheriff’s deputies from across the state. This year, 20 deputies from 20 different agencies took part. They train in boating case law, seated field sobriety testing, BUI enforcement, boat handling and maneuvering, trailering and launching, pulling alongside vessels, and water survival skills.

The hands-on training builds confidence, strengthens partnerships between agencies, and prepares officers for real-world situations they may encounter on the water.

Whether in the classroom, at the pool, or on the water, this training equips officers to better serve the public and promote safe, enjoyable time on Minnesota’s waterways.

Thank you to all the deputies, instructors, and partners who make this important training possible.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and salute the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation.